Booklist Review

*Starred Review* The serial killer who terrorized California in the late 1960s and early '70s he called himself Zodiac is the subject of this heart-stopper of a book. In the beginning it seemed like an urban legend: two teens necking at a lover's lane are fired upon. After another similar killing, letters begin showing up at local newspapers, filled with inside information on the murders as well as uncrackable codes. Thus begins one of the episode's most infamous elements: the back-and-forth relationship between Zodiac and the newspapers reacting to his threats. Most of the chapters carry the grim inevitability of good true-crime writing: you know something bad is about to happen; you're just not sure what. Haugen goes briskly through the details with a curt efficiency well suited for teen readers: She died less than 30 feet (9 m) from the station wagon. The killer got back in his car and left. Photographs are few, but the reproductions of Zodiac's letters pack a punch, and sidebars (Dirty Harry was based on the killings) add to the overall strong design. Zodiac was never captured, but Haugen's conclusions on his impact are savvy. It's a bit pricey, but smart writing and solid back matter make this gruesome package worth every penny.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2010 Booklist